The impending sale of the old Hy-Vee building is a breath of fresh air Austin desperately needed and those living in our community can only hope that it’s a sign of maybe things to come.

A rise of optimism.

On Wednesday night, in a 5-1 vote the Austin Port Authority approved a proposal from Slaby and Associates out of Verona, Wisconsin to purchase the site of the former Hy-Vee building and Farmer’s Market lot for $400,000. Michael Bednar was the only dissenting vote.

That’s half the previous price of $800,000 set in the original contract and approved in July of 2017.

There are, of course, provisions Slaby and Associates need to abide by including successfully marketing the 52,000-square-foot building for five tenants, which includes an anchor store or it would withdraw from the agreement.

The purchase of the lots is set for Aug. 1.

But there is still a reason for optimism in this move by the Port Authority. According to Craig Clark, city administrator and executive director for the Port Authority, Slaby and Associates has already received letters of intent from three of five prospective tenants that includes Marshalls, Five Below and Pet Supplies Plus.

What this shows on all sides is a needed coming together of separate, but willing entities to bring business into Austin, breaking the chain of businesses leaving Austin.

Since the departure of Target in 2015, Austin has seen its fair share of retail setbacks including Staples and the most recent announcement — the closing of Younkers.

But this move, along with Hy-Vee’s renewed commitment showcased in the building of a brand new store, gives Austin reason to believe in brighter future.

It shows that more businesses can and should come to Austin.

Paradoxically though, this is not a reason to rest on our laurels. City leaders must press and be pressed to continue trying to draw more businesses — large and small — to Austin and in turn working extra hard to ensure that business that are already here stay here and thrive.

This move, no matter how optimistic, does not mean we are out of the woods. There is more to be done — there is always more to be done.

But for the time being, we all can sit back and feel a little better about things. It’s how we continue to find the energy to keep moving forward toward a better tomorrow, despite any setbacks.

This move should be commended as a continuing step toward keeping shoppers at home, in Austin, as much as possible.

When our businesses succeed we all succeed.